Freezing temperatures and several feet of snow make for a great Roseau winter. With state parks, nature preserves, and abundant open space this small town just 6 miles from the Canadian border is the epitome of outdoor adventure. Here are the top outdoor activities and things to do in Roseau in the winter.
Snowmobiling. A Top Winter Activity in Roseau
When a David Johnson and Edgar Hetteen, local residents who loved to experience the great outdoors, needed a way to easily trek through the fields and across frozen lakes with gear they took it upon themselves to invent a “motor toboggan”. The year was 1954 and the very first snowmobile had just been invented. They called it Polaris because Polaris means Northstar. You can see this Northstar in the Polaris logo to this day.
Since then, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has allocated 22,000 miles of trails for snowmobile riders in the state. In Roseau the terrain varies from flat farmland to pine covered forests in the northern woods and local clubs keep them groomed. There’s nothing quite like riding through glistening glades and pine trees to the favorite local dinner for a midday break. Don’t forget to stop by the Polaris Experience Center to see the history of Polaris snowmobiling with one of its development and manufacturing facilities next door.
Ice Fishing
With nearly 15,000 lakes and waterways throughout the state, it’s no wonder Minnesotian’s take to the frozen surface to go ice fishing during the winter. Roseau is only 17 miles from Lake of the Woods, some of the best walleye fishing in the state. When the ice thickens to four – six inches, most anglers venture out on foot with sleds full of gear. Ice huts and shanties create tiny, frozen villages on the lake’s solid surface. You will also see $50,000 ice castle fish houses and 2 ice bars. This is a great family experience from the moment your car hits the frozen ice road to catching the big one. Pack up the gear, bundle up, and drop a line this winter in Roseau County.
Snowshoeing
“Walking in a winter wonderland” takes on a new meaning in Roseau. Our many state parks, and nature preserves offer ample mileage for winter hikers. Snowshoeing is an activity as old as time. Thought to have originated as a means of travel over 6,000 years ago, snowshoes have evolved to create a unique recreational experience during winter months.
Renting a pair of snowshoes from Riverview Outdoor and Recreation is the best way to test the waters before investing in your own pair. When going out into the snow be sure to dress for the weather. Layer up your clothes, strap on the snowshoes and enjoy a serene journey into the north woods.
Ice Skating & Hockey
As noted above, Minnesota is home of over 10,000 lakes not to mention thousands of miles of riverfront. When these liquid bodies solidify in the winter, ice rinks pop up in their place. The Roseau River runs right down the center of the city and it is a much used winter rink. But not all ice rinks in Roseau are natural. This town is known for its hockey arenas and its passion for the sport. Many local residents started their careers at these Roseau arenas and went on to skate on Olympic and National Hockey Association teams. The feeling of gliding across ice on freshly sharpened skates is unlike anything you have ever experienced.
Nordic (Cross-Country) Skiing
When most of us think of skiing, we think of mountains, slopes and chairlifts. But there’s another type of skiing that is just as popular- Nordic skiing.
This type of skiing requires skiers to use their own momentum and strength to traverse across snow-covered fields and up/down rolling hills, hence the term cross-country skiing. Roseau offers miles upon miles of groomed trails to nordic skiers in the winter. The Scandanvian heritage of the area takes Nordic Skiing to the next level. After burning off some calories skiing stop by a local bakery or cafe and grab some lefse or a hearty plate of potato dumplings with side pork. U betcha that will make your experience complete.
Winter Festivals and Tournaments
If outdoor recreation does not pique your interest, consider attending some of Roseau’s Winter Festivals or Tournaments. Hockey tournaments, lumberjack ski races, pub crawls, figure skating shows, bonfires, food, music, the list goes on and on. In Roseau we embrace winter. The Flannel and Frost Winterfest is happening Feb. 24-27. Come see why Roseau claims to be bold in the cold.
Although Roseau’s winter weather may make you want to go into hibernation, do yourself a favor and try something new. Now is the time to get outside and test your limits. Seek adventure and embrace the beauty of Roseau during winter season. You’ll instantly see why this little town is one of Minnesota’s hidden gems.